Contrary to popular belief, Costco members aren't emptying their wallets with each warehouse visit. Recent data from Numerator reveals a more nuanced picture of shopping behavior at the beloved big-box retailer.

According to the latest research, the average Costco member visits the store approximately 33 times per year, spending a total of $3,213 annually—which breaks down to less than $100 per trip. This represents a modest increase from 2024, when members averaged 30 store visits and spent $3,018 in total.

Despite these seemingly modest per-trip expenditures, Costco continues to demonstrate remarkable business strength. Membership numbers have nearly doubled in the past decade, growing from 76.4 million paying members in 2014 to an impressive 145.2 million in 2025. The company offers three membership tiers: Gold and Business memberships at $65 annually, and Executive memberships at $130 per year.

The retailer's financial performance remains robust, with membership fees alone generating over $5.3 billion between September 2024 and August 2025. Total company revenue reached a staggering $275.2 billion, underscoring Costco's enduring market appeal.

A key factor in Costco's success appears to be its commitment to employee and customer satisfaction. The company is renowned for competitive wages, with entry-level employees starting between $15.73 and $20 per hour. In a remarkable move last January, Costco raised hourly pay for clerks to $32, and maintains a policy of closing stores on all seven major U.S. holidays.

Perhaps most emblematic of Costco's customer-first philosophy is its legendary $1.50 hot dog combo—a price point unchanged since 1985, thanks to founder Jim Sinegal's steadfast refusal to increase costs. This commitment to value has cultivated extraordinary customer loyalty and serves as a powerful symbol of the company's consumer-friendly approach.

As economic landscapes shift, Costco continues to demonstrate that thoughtful business practices and genuine respect for both employees and customers can drive sustainable success in retail.